SPARK – Electric Car Sharing in the European Union

Introduction

SPARK is a Lithuanian company that since 2015 has focused exclusively on EV. The service quickly expanded across Eastern Europe and became an example of how car sharing in Europe can work. Its main feature is a fully electric fleet, making it not only convenient but also an environmentally friendly solution for city residents.

The company’s story shows that success in this field depends not only on technology but also on the conditions created by governments and municipalities. In some countries, SPARK has grown steadily, while in others it was forced to leave the market.

Where SPARK Operates and What It Offers

Car Sharing in Lithuania

SPARK started operations in Vilnius and later expanded to Kaunas. The fleet initially included about 100 electric cars, such as Volkswagen e-Up and Nissan Leaf. For Lithuanians, it was one of the first affordable ways to try out an EV in daily life.

Key features in Lithuania:

• free-floating rentals within the coverage zone
• hourly and daily packages
• since July 2024, integration with BoltDrive, making it possible to rent directly in the Bolt app

Today SPARK is seen in Lithuania as a normal part of the city’s mobility infrastructure, alongside scooters and bicycles.

Car Sharing in Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, SPARK became the first fully electric car sharing service. It launched in Sofia and Plovdiv and quickly gained popularity. The fleet here is much larger than in Lithuania: more than 1,000 electric vehicles of different classes – from compact hatchbacks to SUVs and vans.

Key advantages in Bulgaria:

• free charging through the Eldrive network
• parking included in the rental price
• a diverse fleet for everything from short city trips to moving goods

Car Sharing in Romania

In Romania, SPARK launched in 2019 with 50 electric vehicles in Bucharest. Soon the fleet grew to 500 cars, and the user base reached 46,000. The green and white cars became a familiar sight on city streets.

But on February 1, 2024, the company announced it was shutting down. The main reasons were:

• removal of free parking incentives for EVs and car sharing cars
• rising costs combined with no support from city authorities

SPARK did not sell off the fleet. Instead, part of the cars was moved to Bulgaria, where demand is growing, and part to Lithuania. This way the company preserved its scale and focused on markets with better conditions.

SPARK Pricing

SPARK offers flexible options: per-minute, hourly, and daily packages. Insurance, charging, and parking are included in the price.

For example, a ride from downtown Vilnius to the airport with SPARK costs about €6, while a taxi would be €10–12. For short trips the service is cost-effective, but for a full day or more, traditional car rental in Europe often comes out cheaper thanks to unlimited mileage and no zone restrictions.

SPARK App and Software

An important part of the service is its custom software, developed by Mediapark in 2016. With the SPARK app, users can register, find a car, book it, pay, and unlock it.

Advantages:

• integration with the Eldrive charging network
• access to SPARK cars directly through Bolt since 2024
• smooth app performance and a simple interface

Earning with SPARK

SPARK introduced a P2P model, allowing private owners and companies to rent out their EVs through the platform. This creates extra income for owners and expands the fleet. For the city, it means more cars on the streets without extra investment from the operator.

What Users Think About SPARK

Lithuania (Vilnius, Kaunas)

Most customers are satisfied with the service. They praise the app and ease of use:

• “You can always find a car near home, and the trip is cheaper than a taxi.”
• “The app works smoothly, never had issues with payments.”

Bulgaria (Sofia, Plovdiv)

Here reviews are mixed. Users like free charging and eco-friendliness but sometimes complain about customer support:

• “It’s very convenient to drive downtown without worrying about parking.”
• “Support is slow to reply, and refunds for canceled bookings take too long.”

Romania (Bucharest)

The shutdown left users disappointed. Many wrote:

• “This was the best car sharing service we had. Too bad the authorities didn’t support it.”
• “SPARK was how I first tried an EV. I’m sad it’s gone.”

SPARK and Car Sharing Trends in Europe

SPARK is a vivid example of how electric car sharing works in practice. In countries with charging infrastructure and government support, the service grows. Where such conditions are missing, the business quickly becomes unprofitable.

The bigger picture is clear: both car sharing and car rental in Europe are heading toward sustainability. Operators are adding EVs, and rental companies are rapidly expanding fleets of Tesla, Polestar, and BYD. The line between the two formats is fading: rentals adopt mobile apps and digital convenience, while car sharing adds longer-term packages and subscriptions.

Conclusion

SPARK has proven that fully electric car sharing can succeed in Eastern Europe. The company preserved its scale by moving cars from Romania to Lithuania and Bulgaria and continues to grow through technology and integration with Bolt.

The story of SPARK shows that success depends directly on city policies, parking rules, and charging infrastructure. Vilnius and Sofia became examples of how electric car sharing can integrate into city life, while Bucharest became a reminder that even the most promising projects can fail without support.

SPARK remains a visible player, and together with it the entire European car sharing market moves toward a future where eco-friendliness and digital solutions set the rules.

FAQ about SPARK

How do I register with SPARK?
Download the app, verify your documents, and link a bank card.

What cars are available?
From compact VW e-Up and Nissan Leaf to SUVs and vans in Bulgaria.

Can I drive outside the city?
Rentals can only end within service zones. Long trips are possible, but returns must be in zone.

What if the EV runs out of charge?
In Bulgaria, charging is free at Eldrive stations; in Lithuania, partner stations are available.

Are there subscription plans or packages?
Yes, hourly and daily rates are offered, plus long-term packages.

How is SPARK different from traditional car rental in Europe?
Car sharing is designed for short city trips with per-minute or hourly pricing. Traditional rentals are better for multi-day or intercity travel.